The improved rating could mean lower insurance premiums for homeowners and business owners. (Photo provided)
The City of Westfield on Thursday announced an improvement in the Westfield Fire Department’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating. ISO ratings assess the readiness of local fire departments by classifying a community’s ability to suppress a fire. The new rating puts WFD in the top 3 percent of all rated fire departments nationwide.
“I am proud of the professionalism and commitment to ongoing improvement of the Westfield Fire Department,” said Mayor Andy Cook. “The men and women that make up this department care deeply about how their work can improve the lives of people in Westfield and Washington Township. This improved rating validates the excellent service they provide and may have an added benefit to property owners of lower insurance premiums.”
“Because of this work by our ISO Project Team, there is the potential for significant community savings,” said Westfield Fire Chief Marcus Reed.
Most Indiana insurance companies use ISO’s PPC when calculating residential and business premiums. An improved ISO score can lead to a reduction in insurance premiums for residents and businesses in the city and township.
Ratings are calculated by examining three areas: The fire department itself, the community water supply and emergency communications. ISO assigns a rating from 1 to 10, with 1 being the best and 10 the worst. Previously, Westfield Fire Department had a Class 4 rating in the city and 8X in the township. Beginning Dec. 1, WFD’s rating will improve to a Class 2 rating in the city and 2X in the township.
“We are excited to see the Westfield Fire Department’s ISO rating improve from 8x to Class 2x,” said Washington Township Trustee Danielle Carey Tolan. “The strong leadership of WFD has allowed Washington Township residents to continue to receive wonderful fire protection.”
ISO calculates fire suppression capabilities in more than 42,000 communities in the country. To learn more about the ISO, click here.